16 Septeember 2005

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents,

My absence last week has led to a late issue of the Primary Update.  However, in my absence, the school has been a very busy   place!

I have been going through the applications for enrolment for 2006 (these closed recently).  It is a big task which involves quite a lot of time.  There have been many excellent applications again this time, but as usual there are more applicants than places.

As discussions are made and letters sent out soon, your prayer would be much appreciated.  Prayers for wise decisions, for the children who are accepted and their families, but also prayer for the children and families who are not successful in their applications.

With regard to placements, if your child will not be attending Middleton Grange in 2006, please let us know as soon as possible in writing.  This helps us greatly in determining numbers of places available for 2006.

Once again, this issue of the Update includes a number of items celebrating success.  The Kapahaka group had a fantastic time performing in the Christchurch Town Hall recently as part of the Primary Schools’ Cultural Festival … have a look at the photos included.  The Year 5/6 syndicate have been studying the Middle Ages and have created some amazing models based on the Middle Ages theme - again, have a look at the photos included.  Recently two of our basketball teams had great success in finals … one coming first and one coming third.  Team reports from the Captains are included … well done to two great teams!

We need to celebrate success and recognise the individuals who have succeeded.  It takes hard work and dedication to achieve top honours!  But also, we must acknowledge God who has given us gifts and talents to succeed!  We must also recognise that natural ability is not the only component … attitude counts for a LOT!  So encourage your children to succeed, to persevere, to show persistence … but also have them recognise the origin of their successes and gifts as being from God.  Flowing from this realisation comes the clear responsibility for each of us that we must use our gifts, not just for our own benefit, but also to benefit others.

We recognise financial, sporting, academic and other successes readily in New Zealand society.  We must also recognise broader gifts such as care for others, service to others, charity, encouragement, gift-giving, etc.  The social gifts are not overtly valued as much - perhaps we need to redress the balance a little.

I would encourage you in your role as parents to help turn the tide.  Make a point of talking to your children regularly about this in relation to school, home, church, etc. and point them towards doing “little kindnesses” … acts of service towards others.  The seemingly small spontaneous acts become a gift to the person doing them and then a gift to others around them.  A very positive approach to life!

Proverbs 18:16      “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.”

John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School

Reports from the Captains on the recent Primary School Basketball finals … CONGRATULATIONS.

  School Notices

Child Absences … Leave for Holidays, etc.

To have leave of absence parents must apply in writing to the Head of Primary School, Mr Stackhouse, stating dates and reason for application.  If applying for leave for a holiday, please consider the disruption this may cause to your child’s year and their learning.  We are aware, however, that the need for leave is sometimes unavoidable.

 

Children Waiting on Their Own Children are not to wait on their own away from school gates.  This in an important safety consideration.  NO children should be asked to wait out of the immediate control of the duty teachers.  Please ensure your children are not put at this risk.  It has been especially noticeable that some children have been waiting for parents to collect them quite some distance from the school gates.  Your cooperation in this would be much appreciated.

Geoffrey I (R14) gained a 1st and 3rd for his trumpet playing in the Canterbury Regional Brass competition.

 

Parents at Primary School Assemblies

We have had great parent support for our assemblies lately - thank you to all parents who show support in this way. 

Young pre-school children are often brought along to see brothers and sisters involved in assembly too.  This is a real positive too BUT … if your young child does get restless and boisterous it would be a real help if they could be taken out to calm down. This saves disruption of items that the children have often put a great deal of time and effort into.  Your help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

Second-Hand Uniform

We have a shortage of junior dresses, smaller size jerseys/cardigans, Middle School summer skirts, Senior skirts and boys’ summer white shirts.  These can be given to Pam May (20 Aileen Pl,  Ph. 348 1779) or Marion McConnell (39 Arthur St, Ph. 348 2256).

 

 

Hillview Christian School is presenting ‘SHOWBIZ’ Dance drama and song from the 70’s & 80’s, performed by Y6-10 pupils.  19 & 21 Sept, 7.00pm at South City Christian Centre (Colombo St).  Tickets $2 or $5 per family available on the night or from the Hillview School office.  Enquiries contact Margie Rees (332 7343). Sharp Programmes (ages 5-14 years) Breakfast Club - Begins 7.30am.  Children are provided breakfast, toothbrushes and dropped off at school.  Cost $4.50/morning. After School - 3.00-5.30pm.  Y1-6 picked up from school, Y7-10 make their own way.  Children have afternoon tea, do homework and choose from a variety of activities.  Cost $8.50-9.00/afternoon. Holiday Programmes & Kids Camps now taking enrolments for the upcoming holidays WINZ/Oscar subsidies available.  Contact Denali (338 4163 ext.830).   Impactalpha Gymsports Trampoline Holiday Programme 26-30 September, 10.00am-12.00noon.  $10.00 per session.  20 Birmingham Drive.  Learn trampoline skills safely with qualified coaches.  Enquiries phone Kay (357 2955) or Andrea (338 4566).

Children’s Book Festival St Christopher’s Anglican Church (244 Avonhead Rd) is holding a ‘Kidz ‘n Print Children’s Book Festival’ on 27, 28 September from 10.00am-12.00noon.  Featuring well known authors Margaret Mahy and Gavin Bishop, a puppet show for younger children by Doc Drumheller, book sculptures, story writing, creative book illustrations, pavement art and poetry writing.  A wide variety of children’s books will be on sale and every participant will receive a free book voucher.  Early registration is recommended.  Cost $2 per child per day.  Enquiries phone St Christopher’s office on 358 8780. Riccarton Softball Club Boys and girls teams from 5-19 years, as well as senior male and female teams.  Situated in Crosbie Park.  Enquiries contact Tania (349 9182) or email riccartonsoftball@hotmail.com. ChCh Avon Athletics Club Catering for 5-14 year olds and offering a full range of track and field events.  Inter-club competition available at QE2 and top class coaching.  Registration day Wednesday 12 October (5.00-6.30pm) at clubrooms in the Burnside High School playing fields.  Enquiries contact Marilyn Morrison (348 6581). Upper Riccarton Junior Cricket Club Registration day at Yaldhurst Park 17 September, 12.00-2.00pm.  Enquiries phone Tim McCardle (353 6475).

"In thy light shall we see light." 
                                        Psalm 36:9

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